Apparatus and methods for dispensing pet care substances

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for timed dispensing of animal care substances to animals includes an electronic dispensing controller, and a dispenser operated by the electronic dispensing controller for dispensing an animal care substance to an animal at times determined by the electronic dispensing controller.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to pet care apparatus and methodsgenerally and more particularly to apparatus and methods for dispensingpet care substances to pets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various techniques and devices are currently employed for applying petcare substances to pets. Various types of pet collars are described inthe following U.S. patents which were found in a U.S. Pat. Nos. search:5,516,761; 5,465,689; 5,449,517, 5,411,737; 5,003,756, 4,981,104,4,890,580; 4,748,938, 4,224,901, 5,515,033; 5,509,859; 5,469,814;5,454,350; 5,307,764, 4,803,956; 4,725,271, 5,545,442; 4,75,271,3,852,416 and Des. 332,409.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide improved apparatus and methodsfor dispensing pet care substances to pets. It is noted that throughoutthe specification and the claims the terms pet and animal are usedinterchangeably and are understood to be synonymous. It is alsounderstood that although the present invention is described hereingenerally for use with a pet, nevertheless the present invention isequally applicable for human beings.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention apparatus for timed dispensing of pet care substancesto pets including an externally pet mounted electronic dispensingcontroller, and a dispenser operated by the electronic dispensingcontroller for dispensing a pet care substance to a pet at timesdetermined by the electronic dispensing controller

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the apparatus also includes a supply of a pet care substance.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the pet care substance is enclosed in a single-use,replaceable container

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the dispenser includes a peristaltic pump Alternatively thedispenser includes a diaphragm pump

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the dispenser includes a plurality of discrete containercells, each containing the pet care substance, and release apparatus.responsive to the electronic dispensing controller. for selectablyreleasing the pet care substances from individual ones of the containercells in a desired timed pattern. determined by the electronicdispensing controller.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the release apparatus includes an electrical resistanceheating element associated with each of the container cells andoperative, when energized, to cause at least a portion of the containercell to become permeable for passage therethrough of the pet caresubstance.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the apparatus includes a collar onto which the electronicdispensing controller and the dispenser are mounted.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the apparatus also includes a harness onto which theelectronic dispensing controller and the dispenser are mounted.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the apparatus also includes a leg bracelet onto which theelectronic dispensing controller and the dispenser are mounted.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the dispenser is operative to dispense the pet care substanceonto a pet at a generally dorsal location thereon.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the dispenser includes an outlet element which directs the petcare substance directly onto the skin of the pet and includes an outletelement which positions the pet care substance such that it can belicked by the pet.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the dispenser includes an outlet element which injects the petcare substance into the pet.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the pet care substance may include an anti-parasitic agent, apet grooming material, an veterinary therapeutic agent and a male animalrepellent.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the dispenser provides continuous application of the per caresubstance to the pet. Alternatively the dispenser provides discontinuousapplication of the pet care substance to the pet.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the electronic dispensing controller is responsive to at leastone input produced by the pet.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the apparatus employs a pet driven power generator foroperating at least one of the controller and the dispenser.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the apparatus also includes an electronic data storagefacility.

Further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the apparatus also includes an annunciator associated with thedata storage facility for providing an audio output indicationresponsive to data stored in the electronic data storage facility.

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the annunciator provides prompts in response to timing datastored in the electronic data storage facility.

Moreover in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the annunciator provides lost pet information

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the annunciator provides normative inputs to the pet

Still further in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the apparatus includes a pet communicator which provides atleast one way communication with the pet.

Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention the apparatus includes a pet access controller.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention a method of pet care including mounting onto a pet,apparatus for timed dispensing of a pet care substance including, anexternally pet mounted electronic dispensing controller, and a dispenseroperated by the electronic dispensing controller for dispensing a petcare substance to a pet at times determined by the electronic dispensingcontroller, setting the timing of the apparatus for timed dispensing inaccordance with a desired dispensing regime, and supplying the pet caresubstance to the dispenser.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention a method for use in pet care including mounting onto apet, apparatus for timed dispensing of a per care substance, includingan externally pet mounted electronic dispensing controller, and adispenser operated by the electronic dispensing controller fordispensing a pet care substance to a pet at times determined by theelectronic dispensing controller, setting the timing of the apparatusfor timed dispensing in accordance with a desired dispensing regime, andsupplying the pet care substance to the dispenser, a pet care substancepackaged so as to be useful with the dispenser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with thedrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a cat wearing a collarconstructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a dog wearing a harnessconstructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 3 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a bird wearing a legbracelet constructed and operative in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are respective top and bottom simplified, partpictorial, part block diagram illustrations of a collar constructed andoperative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram illustration of apparatus fordispensing pet care substances to pets in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a simplified illustration of a pump assembly constructed andoperative in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention,which is useful in the apparatus of FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 7 is a simplified illustration of a pump assembly constructed andoperative in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention. which is useful in the apparatus of FIGS. 1-5;

FIG. 8 is a simplified illustration of a combination pump assembly andsupply module constructed and operative in accordance with yet anotherembodiment of the present invention, which is useful in the apparatus ofFIGS. 1-5,

FIG. 9 is a simplified illustration of a dispensing assembly constructedand operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 is a simplified illustration of assembling, electricalresistance heating elements with cell enclosures, useful in thedispensing assembly of FIG. 9, in accordance with one preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 11A-11C are simplified illustrations of assembling electricalresistance heating elements with cell enclosures, useful in thedispensing assembly of FIG. 9, in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11D is a simplified illustration of assembling electricalresistance heating elements with cell enclosures, useful in thedispensing assembly of FIG. 9, in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are simplified sectional illustrations of a dispensingassembly, before and after dispensing of a pet care substance,respectively, constructed and operative in accordance with still anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein a fluid pet caresubstance is vacuum-packed in a cell, such as a microcell;

FIG. 13 is a simplified sectional illustration of a dispensing assembly,constructed and operative in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention, wherein the fluid substance isdispensed via a manifold in fluid communication with a plurality ofcells;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are simplified illustrations of a dispensing assembly,before and after dispensing of a pet care substance, respectively,constructed and operative in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the present invention, wherein a fluid pet care substanceis dispensed via a needle.

FIG. 15 is a simplified illustration of a dispenser and an electronicdispensing controller, constructed and operative in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the dispenser andelectronic dispensing controller are mounted on a bandage patchattachable to a patient/animal;

FIG. 16 is a simplified illustration of a dispenser and an electronicdispensing controller, constructed and operative in accordance withanother preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein thedispenser and electronic dispensing controller are packaged as a bolus;

FIG. 17 is a simplified illustration of a dispenser and an electronicdispensing controller, constructed and operative in accordance with yetanother preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein thedispenser and electronic dispensing controller are packaged in anexpandable balloon which is adapted for expanding in a stomach of apatient/animal;

FIG. 18 is a simplified illustration of a dispenser and an electronicdispensing controller, constructed and operative in accordance withstill another preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein thedispenser and electronic dispensing controller are themselves injectableinto a patient/animal.

FIG. 19 is a simplified illustration of a dispenser and an electronicdispensing controller, constructed and operative in accordance withanother preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein thedispenser and electronic dispensing controller are themselvesimplantable into a patient/animal;

FIG. 20 is a simplified illustration of a dispenser and an electronicdispensing controller, constructed and operative in accordance with Yetanother preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein thedispenser and electronic dispensing controller comprise aMicro-Electro-Mechanics Systems (MEMS) pump; and

FIGS. 21A and 21B are simplified illustrations of a membrane acting asan electrical switch in a dispenser and an electronic dispensingcontroller, constructed and operative in accordance with still anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a cat wearing a collar 20 constructed and operative inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Thecollar 20 preferably comprises a conventional strap 22 which is fastenedabout the neck of the cat by conventional means

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention there ismounted on the strap 22, apparatus 24 for timed dispensing of a pet caresubstance including an externally pet mounted electronic dispensingcontroller 26 and a dispenser 28 operated by the electronic dispensingcontroller 26 for dispensing a pet care substance to the cat at timesdetermined by the electronic dispensing controller 26. In accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the collar 20 mayalso include a communication unit 30 including an antenna 32 forpermitting wireless communication with the cat and an audio transducer34, such as a miniature speaker, for providing an audio interface.

Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a dog wearing a harness 40 constructed and operative inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Theharness 40 preferably comprises a conventional strap assembly 42 whichis fastened about the torso of the dog by conventional means.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention there ismounted on the strap assembly 42, apparatus 44 for timed dispensing of apet care substance including an externally pet mounted electronicdispensing controller 46 and a dispenser 48 operated by the electronicdispensing controller 46 for dispensing a pet care substance to the doffat times determined by the electronic dispensing controller 46 Inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theharness 40 may also include a communication unit 50 including an antenna52 for permitting wireless communication with the dog and an audiotransducer 54, such as a miniature speaker, for providing an audiointerface. It is appreciated that the harness may be adapted for anykind of animal or human and the term is to be understood herein toinclude any kind of belt as well.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a simplified pictorialillustration of a bird wearing a lea bracelet 60 constructed andoperative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The leg bracelet 60 preferably comprises a conventional strap62 which is fastened about the leg of the bird by conventional means.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention there ismounted on the strap 62, apparatus 64 for timed dispensing of a pet caresubstance including an externally mounted electronic dispensingcontroller 66 and a dispenser 68 operated by the electronic dispensingcontroller 66 for dispensing a pet care substance to the bird at timesdetermined by the electronic dispensing controller 66. In accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bracelet 60may also include a communication unit 70 including an antenna 72 forpermitting wireless communication with the bird and an audio transducer74, such as a miniature speaker, for providing an audio interface.

It is to be appreciated that the collar is not limited in itsapplication to cats but rather may be used for any other suitableanimals, such as livestock. Likewise the harness may be used with anyother suitable animal. The leg or arm bracelet may similarly be used, assuitable for animals other than birds

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A and 4B, which are simplified, partpictorial, part block diagram illustrations or a collar constructed andoperative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. Here, mounted inside a housing 80 mounted onto a collar strap82, there is shown an electronic controller 84 which controls theoperation of a dispenser 86, having an outlet conduit 88 whichpreferably communicates with pet care substance outlets 90 on theunderside of collar strap 82, in contact with the fur, hair, or skin ofan animal wearing the collar. The device may be powered by aconventional power device such as a battery, not shown in FIG. 4A or 4B

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, acommunications module 92, having an associated antenna 94 and speaker 96is also provided. Preferably the communications module 92 interfaceswith the electronic controller 84, so as to provide various cooperativefunctionalities, such as lost dog identification annunciation via thespeaker 96, using identity information stored in a memory associatedwith the electronic controller 84 A suitable annunciation actuationbutton 98 may be provided in association with either communicationsmodule 92 or electronic controller 84.

Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a simplified functional blockdiagram illustration of a dispensing and communication device 158 fordispensing per care substances to pets, and for providing communicationwith pets in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. The dispensing and communication device 158 may be typicallymounted on animal collars 20, 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 or aleg bracelet 60, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

The dispensing and communication device 158 of FIG. 5 preferablycomprises a microcontroller and scheduling unit 162, and an actuator 166in communication with a capsule 168 containing material for dispensingon to the fur, hair or skin of an animal. The microcontroller 162typically controls the amount of dispensing material and time at whichthe material is dispensed.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the dispensing and communication device 158also includes a control panel 170 which is in communication with themicrocontroller 162. By means of the control panel 170 control signalsare provided to the microcontroller 162. Typical control signals mayinclude the amount of dispensing material and the time schedule fordispensing the material to the pet. The dispensing and communicationdevice 158 also comprises a communication unit 164 and an antenna system160 which provides for one-way or two-way communication and pet locationfunctionalities by wireless communication with the pet. Thecommunication unit 164, connected to the microcontroller 162, allows forthe remote control of dispensing material from capsule 168 The wirelessconnection may employ RF, IR, ultrasound or any other suitablecommunications medium. The dispensing and communication device 158 mayalso operate in response to one or more inputs produced by the animal,these inputs being sensed and transmitted to device 158 by a suitablebiological sensor 169, such as a sensor for sensing pulse, sweating,breathing, and the like.

The communications unit 164 may also provide lost pet findingsfunctionality in a number of possible ways.

A pet identifying audio message may be stored in the microcontroller 162and may be played via an audio transducer unit 172 in response to asuitable actuation Such actuation may be provided by pressing on asuitable actuation button (not shown) mounted onto a control panel 170.Alternatively or additionally a visually sensible message may be storedin the microcontroller 162 and may be displayed on a suitable display176, such as a liquid crystal display in response to actuation via asuitable actuation button (not shown). A pet identifying message may bedisplayed on display 176, such messages may typically include the nameof the pet, and the address, telephone number, fax number and E-mailaddress of the owner.

Additionally or alternatively, the communication unit 164 may broadcasta pet locator beacon signal via antenna 160 This beacon signal may bedetected by beacon locators, such as those currently used for findingsuitably equipped stolen motor vehicles.

As a further alternative or additionally, the system illustrated in FIG.5 may provide one-way or two-way communication between a pet and itsowner, enabling the owner to call its pet via a wireless signal and havethe owner's voice output by the audio transducer 172. Similarly, anaudio output from the pet may be picked up by audio transducer 172 andtransmitted to the owner Additionally or alternatively, the owner maycause the audio transducer 172 to emit a signal which causes the pet totake a predetermined action, such as to return home or to terminate agiven action, such as barking. This signal may be in the form of ahigh-pitched signal which is only sensible by certain animals and whichthe pet has been trained to recognize and obey. Instead of ahigh-pitched signal, any other suitable stimulus, such as an electricalstimulus, may be applied to the pet in response to suitable actuation

The dispensing and communication device 158 also includes an inputdevice 177 and an output device 178. The input unit 177 allows therecording of information and data by the microcontroller 162, forexample by a veterinary expert, to schedule and organize the dispensingof materials, such as medicines, to the pet. Additionally, by means ofthe input device 177 desired announcements and reminders may be recordedin the microcontroller 162.

The output device 178 allows the retrieving of the data and informationfrom the microcontroller 162 in order to provide a schedule and recordof the treatment of the pet carried out over a given period of time.Additionally, the output device 178 may retrieve all relevantinformation regarding the pet and its activities.

The dispensing and communication device 158 preferably also includes apower device, such as a battery 174. Alternatively, the power device mayinclude an animal driven power generators such as a dynamo driven by arunning action of the animal, for example.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a simplified illustration of apump assembly constructed and operative in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention, which is useful in the apparatus ofFIGS. 1-5 It is appreciated that the pump assembly described withreference to FIG. 6, as well as those described with reference to FIGS.7 and 8, may be fashioned for internal or external use with thepatient/animal. It is also appreciated that one or more valves may beused instead of any of the pump assemblies.

The pump of FIG. 6 comprises a housing 200 defining an enclosure 202which communicates with supply module or capsule 203 via an inletconduit 204, preferably having a one-way valve 206. A diaphragm 208 isdisposed within enclosure 202 and may be spring loaded by a spring 210.By periodically displacing the diaphragm 208 within the enclosure 202,by means of a solenoid device or motor 209, fluid from the capsulesupply 203 is drawn into enclosure 202 and subsequently the fluid isforced out of enclosure 202 via an outlet conduit 212, also preferablyhaving a one-way valve 214. The outlet conduit 212 preferablycommunicates via a conduit 216 with a dispensing outlet (not shown).Preferably, the dispensing outlet is located on the underside of a strap(not shown), in contact with the fur, hair, or skin of an animal wearingthe collar. The dispensing outlet may be located such that the fluid isdispensed on a dorsal location on the pet. Alternatively, the fluid maybe dispensed directly onto the skin of the pet or may dispensed forlicking by the pet.

The pet care substance from capsule supply 203 may include any kind ofsubstance useful in the care of animals such as an anti-parasitic agent,a pet rooming material, an veterinary therapeutic agent or a male animalrepellent, or any kind of medical treatment or even cosmetic substance.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which is a simplified illustration of apump assembly constructed and operative in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention, which is useful in the apparatus ofFIGS. 1-5 The pump of FIG. 7, is commonly termed a peristaltic pump andpreferably comprises a rotor 210 having a plurality of rollers 222mounted thereon for sequential progressive squeezing travel along aresilient conduit 224 extending from an inlet 226, coupled to supplymodule 227, to an outlet 228. The rotation of rotor 220 produces metereddispensing of a fluid substance 230 via a conduit 232 and a one-wayvalve 234 to a dispensing outlet (not shown). Preferably, the dispensingoutlet is located on the underside of a strap (not shown), in contactwith the fur, hair, or skin of an animal wearing the collar

Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which is a simplified illustration of acombined supply module and pump assembly constituting a replaceabledispensing subsystem, constructed and operative in accordance with vetanother embodiment of the present invention, which is useful in theapparatus of FIGS. 1-5 Here a piston 240 attached to a threaded shaft242 is arranged to move along an axis 244, thereby causing continuousdispensing of a fluid substance 245 contained in a cylinder 246,downstream of the piston 240. The movement of piston 240 producesmetered dispensing of fluid substance 245 via a conduit 248 and aone-way valve 250 to a dispensing outlet (not shown). Preferably, thedispensing outlet is located on the underside of a strap (not shown), incontact with the fur, hair, or skin of an animal wearing the collar.

FIG. 9 is a simplified illustration of a dispensing assembly constructedand operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of thepresent invention. In this embodiment, predetermined amounts of a petcare substance are contained in a multiplicity of cell enclosures 270located in communication with the fur, hair, or skin of an animalwearing a collar or harness. Each enclosure 70 is permeable for releaseof the substance contained therein in response to an electrical signalwhich may be supplied by dispensing and communication device 158 oralternatively by a driver (nor shown) controlled thereby It is notedthat cell enclosures 270 may contain the same substance or they maycontain different substances. Each substance may be a pure substance ora mixture of substances. The cell enclosures 270 may be of the same sizeor of varying sizes.

In one embodiment of the present invention, each cell enclosure (i, j)270 is formed with an electrode or electrical resistance heating element272 which is heated by application of electrical energy thereto andcauses the wall of the cell enclosure 270 to break, melt, disintegrateor otherwise become permeable to the care substance, thereby allowingthe care substance contained therein to reach the pet. By discreteapplication of electrical energy to individual cell enclosures 270,predetermined quantities of the care substance are supplied withpredetermined timing to the pet. The supply of electrical energy to thecell enclosures 270 is preferably regulated by a microcontroller 274,receiving power from a battery 276

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theapparatus of FIG. 9 is disposable and readily replaceable. The apparatusof FIG. 9 may be constructed for single-use or multi-use. In the lattercase, either cell enclosures 270 are refillable or one can replace theentire array of enclosures

It is noted that electrical energy is just one example of using energyto make the cell enclosures 270 permeable for passable therethrough ofthe substance contained therein. In general, it can be said that thedispensing assembly includes release apparatus which comprises anenergizing element associated with each of the cell enclosures andoperative, when energized, to cause at least a portion of the cellenclosure to become permeable for passage therethrough of the substancecontained therein.

FIG. 10 illustrates one example of assembling electrical resistanceheating elements 272 with cell enclosures 270. In this embodiment,electrical resistance heating element 272 is embedded or attached ineach cell enclosure 270.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A-11C which illustrate another methodof assembling electrical resistance heating elements 272 with cellenclosures 270 In this embodiment, i columns of electrical resistanceheating elements 272 are arranged to contact the bottom surfaces of cellenclosures 270 and j rows of electrical resistance heating elements 272are arranged to contact the top surfaces of cell enclosures 270. Supposeit is desired to energize a particular cell 0 corresponding to i=a andj=b In the embodiment of FIGS. 11A and 11B, this is easily accomplishedby passing a current through the a column heating element and the b rowheating element. As seen in FIG. 11C, the flow of electric currentbetween the row and column heating elements energizes the cell and makesthe cell permeable to the fluid contained therein as describedhereinabove The cell enclosure itself, and/or the contents thereof, actsas an electrical resistance element.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 11A-11C, only 9 electricalcontacts are required to energize 20 cells. In contrast, in theembodiment of FIG. 9 wherein each cell is individually energized, 20separate electrical contacts would have to be used to energize the 20cells.

FIG. 11D illustrates another method of wherein a pair of electrodes 271are placed on top of cell enclosure 270 and current flows through cellenclosure 270 itself It is appreciated by persons skilled in the art,that many other methods may be used to energize the cells.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 12A and 12B which illustrate a dispensingassembly 280 constructed and operative in accordance with still anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention. Assembly 280 preferablyincludes a plurality of cells 282, which may be of any suitabledimension, such as, but not necessarily, microcells with a diameter ofseveral microns. A fluid substance 284 is preferably vacuum-packed incell 282 in the following manner. Cell 282 is lined with a membrane 283which is preferably resilient. Each cell 282 is formed with a conduit286 which is in fluid communication with cell 282 at a junction 288. Aflexible membrane 283 is initially placed over the cells 282 and suctionis applied to cells 282 via conduits 286. The sucking force of theapplied suction draws the membrane 283 tightly into each cell 282, sothat each cell 282 is lined with membrane 283, this being theconfiguration shown in FIG. 12A. Cells 282 are then filled with fluidsubstance 284 and a cover sheet 290 is finally placed over cells 282 atthe end opposite to junctions 288 Cover sheet 290 and membrane 283 sealfluid substance 284 in cells 282.

Cover sheet 290 is formed with a plurality of rupturable openings 289each of which is in electrical communication with a heating element, asdescribed hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 9-11D, so that uponappropriate energizing, rupturable openings 289 open to permit flowtherethrough of fluid substance 284.

As seen in FIG. 12B, since membrane 283 has been drawn into tension bythe initial suction force, opening rupturable opening 289 releases thetension in membrane 283 and causes fluid substance 284 to gush out ofcell 282 with a velocity significantly higher than that shown inprevious embodiments. It is appreciated that other devices other thanmembrane 283 may be used to propel fluid substance 284 out of cells 282,such as a piston, solenoid, pressurized air or fluid, compressible orspongy material, and the like.

In FIG. 13, assembly 280 is modified such that fluid substance 284 isdispensed via a manifold 292 in fluid communication with the pluralityof rupturable openings 289. Such an embodiment may be useful indirecting fluid substance 284 to a particular location on the pet or forconcentrating the flow of fluid substance 284.

In FIGS. 14A and 14B, a further modification of dispensing assembly 280is shown. In this embodiment, cell 282 is formed with a needle 294 whichis in fluid communication with and extends from rupturable opening 289.Upon rupturing the rupturable opening 289, as seen in FIG. 14B, fluidsubstance 284 gushes out of cell 282. The force of the expelled fluidsubstance propels needle 294 generally in the direction of an arrow 296which may cause needle 294 to pierce the skin of a patient/animal.Needle 294 may be hollow, in which case fluid 284 flows through needle294 and into the body of the patient. Alternatively, needle 294 may benon-hollow, in which case, fluid 284 flows over the outer surface ofneedle 294. It is noted that needle 294 need not pierce the skin, butinstead needle 294 may act like teeth of a comb which press against orstroke the skin/fur of the patient/animal. Preferably, needle 294 isbiased by a biasing device 297, such as coil sprints, so as to retractneedle 294 after injection. Of course, other devices may be used toretract needle 294

As described above with reference to FIGS. 10-11D, the dispensingassembly of the present invention includes release apparatus whichcomprises an energizing element associated with each of the cellenclosures and operative, when energized, to cause at least a portion ofthe cell enclosure to become permeable for passable therethrough of thesubstance contained therein. A release apparatus of this nature may beincorporated in the embodiments of FIGS. 12A, 12B and 13, as is nowdescribed with reference to FIGS. 21A and 21B.

Rupturable opening 289 of the first cell 282 is in electrical contactwith an electrode 400 which is connected to an energizing element 402(preferably an electrical power source) via a positive voltage lead 403Energizing element 402 is only connected to the first cell 282 atelectrode 400. In contrast, a ground lead 404 of energizing element 402is connected to all the junctions 288 of the cells 282, the junctions inthis embodiment being electrical contacts. In this embodiment, membrane283 is made of an electrically conducting material. The electrodes 400of the rupturable openings 289 of the cells 282 following the firstcell, are each connected by a wire 406 to a contact 408 in the previouscell.

As seen in FIG. 21A, when cell 282 is completely full prior to rupturingof rupturable opening 289, membrane 283 contacts junction 288.Energizing element 402 can then send an electrical current to electrode400 of the first cell only and caused rupture thereof. After membrane283 completely expels fluid substance 284 from the first cell 282,membrane 283 then contacts electrode 400 and contact 408 in first cell282. Only then can an electrical current be passed to the second cell282 Thus, the membrane of the previous cell acts as a switch to switchelectricity to enable rupturings of the subsequent cell. Preferably,suitable circuitry is provided to sense the drop in voltage or currentdue to the movement of the membrane away from junction 288 so thatenergizing element 402 can be signaled to stop supplying unnecessaryvoltage to electrode 400 This circuitry serves as a feedback for properoperation of the release apparatus

Any of the dispensers and electronic dispensing controllers of thepresent invention may be packaged and configured in a variety of mannersfor easy use by a patient/animal. Some examples are now described withreference to FIGS. 15-20

Reference is now made to FIG. 15 which illustrates a dispenser 300 andan electronic dispensing controller 302, constructed and operative inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Dispenser 300 and electronic dispensing controller 302 are mounted on abandage patch 304 attachable to a patient/animal Such an embodiment maybe particularly useful in dispensing a transdermal substance 306

Reference is now made to FIG. 16 which illustrates a dispenser 310 andan electronic dispensing controller 312, constructed and operative inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present inventionDispenser 310 and electronic dispensing controller 312 are packaged as abolus 314 i e, a pill or tablet used in veterinary or clinical medicine.In this embodiment, dispenser 310 and electronic dispensing controller312 operate as long as they are present in the stomach or other portionsof the alimentary canal, and cease to operate upon experiment from thebody. Alternatively, dispenser 310 and electronic dispensing controller312 may be fashioned to remain in the body.

Reference is now made to FIG. 17 which illustrates a dispenser 320 andan electronic dispensing controller 322, constructed and operative inaccordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. Dispenser 320 and electronic dispensing controller 322 arepackaged in an expandable balloon 324 which is adapted for expanding ina stomach of a patient/animal. The possible operations of dispenser 320and electronic dispensing controller 322 are as described previously fordispenser 310 and electronic dispensing controller 312.

Reference is now made to FIG. 18 which illustrates a dispenser 330 andan electronic dispensing controller 332, constructed and operative inaccordance with still another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. Dispenser 330 and electronic dispensing controller 332 arepackaged as a projectile 334 which is injectable into a patient/animal.

Reference is now made to FIG. 19 which illustrates a dispenser 340 andan electronic dispensing controller 342, constructed and operative inaccordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.Dispenser 340 and electronic dispensing controller 342 are packaged as amodule 344 implantable into a patient/animal

Reference is now made to FIG. 20 which illustrate a dispenser 350 and anelectronic dispensing controller 352 constructed and operative inaccordance with vet another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention. Dispenser 350 and electronic dispensing controller 352comprise a Micro-Electro-Mechanics Systems (MEMS) pump 354

As is known in the art of MEMS. MEMS are fabricated from metals such asaluminum, tungsten, nickel, etc. In addition, MEMS are fabricated frompolycrystal materials such as polysilicon and single crystal (SC)materials such as Single Crystal Silicon (SCS).

MEMS pump 354 is preferably in fluid communication with a reservoir 356of a substance 358. MEMS pump 354 pumps the substance 358 via an outletport 360, the pumping being controlled by controller 352. MEMS pump 354is thus an “on-chip” pump with all the necessary electronic pumpcontrols built into the chip Controller 352, as well as any of thecontrol devices of the previously described embodiments of the presentinvention, may be programmable and may be connected to an externalinput/output (I/O) device. The I/O device can feed instructions and datato the controller and can receive data from the controller forprocessing with a computer such as a PC.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited to what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention alsoincludes both combinations and subcombinations of the various featuresdescribed and shown hereinabove as well as modifications and furtherdevelopments thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the artupon reading the above description and which are not already in theprior art.

1-5. (canceled)
 6. Apparatus for dispensing substances to animalscomprising: an dispensing controller (352); and a dispenser (350)operated by said dispensing controller (352) for dispensing a substanceto an animal at times determined by said dispensing controller (352);characterized by said dispenser (350) comprising aMicro-Electro-Mechanics Systems (MEMS) pump (354). 7-31. (canceled)